What is the core idea of assimilation policies toward immigrants?

• A. Indigenous self-government
• B. Complete independence from country
• C. Cultural preservation
• D. Immigrants should adopt the language, customs, and values of the national majorities, and abandon their own cultural heritage

Answer: (D)

Assimilation policies aim to blend newcomers into the dominant culture by having them adopt the language, customs, and values of the majority and let go of their own traditions. This is exactly what the correct choice expresses: immigrants should adopt the language, customs, and values of the national majorities and abandon their own cultural heritage. The other ideas describe different approaches—self-government for Indigenous groups, political independence from the country, or simply preserving one’s own culture—not the process of blending into the dominant culture.